When We See White Smoke, We Know We Have a New CISO

When We See White Smoke, We Know We Have a New CISO

Author: David Spark, Mike Johnson, and Andy Ellis February 10, 2026 Duration: 42:32

All links and images can be found on CISO Series.

This week's episode is hosted by David Spark, producer of CISO Series and Andy Ellis, principal of Duha. Joining them is Russ Ayres, CISO, Principal Financial Group.

In this episode:

  • Metrics that matter
  • Tool babysitting problem
  • Automating the brokenness
  • Stay connected intentionally

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Strike48

Strike48 is the Agentic Log Intelligence Platform that actually puts AI agents to work, combining full log visibility with AI agents that investigate, detect, and respond 24/7. With pre-built agent clusters for security and a no-code agentic workflow builder, it's easy to get started. Learn more at strike48.com/security.

 


Hosted by David Spark, Mike Johnson, and Andy Ellis, the CISO Series Podcast digs into the often complex, sometimes contentious, but always critical relationships that define modern cybersecurity. This isn't a lecture from a lone expert; it's a conversation built on the real-world friction and collaboration between the security teams who implement solutions and the vendors who create them. Each episode moves beyond theory to explore the practical mechanics of how these groups can actually work together more effectively. You'll hear frank debates, tactical advice, and shared stories that reveal what truly improves security posture for organizations of all sizes. The discussions are grounded in the daily challenges and strategic decisions faced by practitioners, offering listeners a unique, dual-perspective on the technology and news shaping the industry. Tune into this podcast for an unvarnished look at the partnerships that build stronger defenses, proving that better security is ultimately a team effort forged through open dialogue and shared goals.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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